by Maria Staiano-Daniels
Daily Lobo
Every rumor you've ever heard about Amsterdam is true, said Hajo de Reijger, drummer of the band Blues Brother Castro.
The band, which calls Amsterdam home, arrives in Albuquerque on Wednesday as part of its first North American tour.
Bass player Meila van de Wall described Blues Brother Castro's style as raunchy rock. Guitarist Tjeerd Meindersma agreed.
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"We play in a dirty way," Meindersma said. "We don't try to be perfect."
Blues Brother Castro is also releasing an album called Money Maker Me. Meindersma said the album is raw and energetic, although it's more professional than the band's previous work.
Singer Leon Caren said the album's title comes from a song he wrote when he graduated college and had to decide whether to have a career or play music. Although Caren said he doesn't like to write political songs, he wants his songs to make statements. He said Money Maker Me is subtly critical of the capitalist system.
"It's personal, but if you read between the lines it's political, too," he said.
"If you can do something you really like, you should," he said. "The money comes later."
So far, band members say they like the United States, although it is different from their native land. Caren said the size of the United States is amazing.
"Holland's really small," he said. "It takes three hours to get from one side of the country to the other."
Caren said the Netherlands' size limits the band's available venues, forcing them to tour abroad. Van de Wall said Blues Brother Castro has performed in Germany, England and Croatia, and will go to Spain after they finish in the United States.
De Reijger said the band's reception in the United States has been warm, and fans and other bands have all been friendly.
Blues Brother Castro is traveling the country in an RV, Meindersma said. He is sad he will not have the chance to trash a hotel room like a rock star.
The most important difference between the United States and the Netherlands is the beer, Caren said. In Europe, venues give band members free beer when they perform, he said.
Van de Wall also bemoaned America's strict control of alcohol, and sympathized with the oppression of the underage.
Caren said Blues Brother Castro is looking forward to playing in Albuquerque, and delivered a message to the city from the band.
"Give us loads of beer," he said.
